They were as surprised as everyone else– different political parties, a different house of parliament, and on the face of it, if not enemies, at least competitors. And yet the attraction grew, and a forbidden love blossomed.

Like Romeo and Juliet, Penny and Julie’s love, while a beautiful thing, sadly seemed never meant to be.

The nation had watched the unfolding romance with mouth’s agape, as the two lovers danced around the taboo, somewhat clumsily as each strove to lead, but as winners of Dancing With The Stars, none had ever been as popular.

They still argued bitterly on some political issues, but both said the make-up sex was special, and that their love was strong.

But not strong enough, it turned out to be.

A suave and sophisticated American man-of-means rekindled Julie’s heterosexual desires, and a broken-hearted Penny withdrew from public life to become Australia’s UN ambassador. Tho still better to have loved . . .